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Get Shaved

This is a small hut, with a drive-thru, that makes the best shaved ice in at least Southern California. There is also a Get Shaved food truck that makes the rounds outside of the San Fernando Valley. (Get the schedule at the website or on Facebook.)

What makes Get Shaved special is the delicate softness and texture of its ice and the tasty flavors. The shave of the ice really makes a big difference.

You start by picking your size. Then you can add “goodies,” which are a choice of eight different flavors of Fosselman’s ice cream from Alhambra (since 1919), azuki beans or mochi balls. The goodies go at the bottom of the cup if you add any. I recommend considering the espresso or macadamia nut ice cream. You can also order a handmade ice cream cookie sandwich or shake, but the shaved ice is what makes this place special.

Next you get to the flavors. You get to choose up to three of the 29 listed flavors. A number of suggested combinations are also on the menu, which makes things easier since there are so many choices. Among my favorites are the Island Breeze -- mango, coconut and guava; Monkey Brains -- strawberry and banana; and PassioNut – lilikoi (passion fruit), coconut and melona.

Finally you can choose a topping. Sweetened condensed milk goes quite well with some of the flavors. You can also sour things up with a sour spray to make a sweet and sour combination. Other toppings are Li Hing Mui Powder (from dry plums) and Pico de Gallo Powder.